Most of us barely give pennies a second thought. They hide in couch cushions, pile up in old jars, or get left behind at checkout counters. But what if one of those little copper coins is actually worth $26 million? Sounds like a scene from a treasure-hunting movie—but it might just be real.
This is the story of the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin accidentally minted in copper instead of steel. And believe it or not, one could still be floating around in everyday pocket change.
Table of Contents
History
Let’s jump back to 1909. That’s when the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Wheat Penny to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It marked the first time a real person—not Lady Liberty or an eagle—was featured on American currency.
What made it stand out?
Front: Lincoln’s face, the words “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the year
Back: Two wheat stalks, representing prosperity and hard work
The Wheat Penny ran until 1958 before the design switched to the Lincoln Memorial. But hidden among the millions of coins minted are a few worth more than their weight in gold—literally.
Rarity
In 1943, America was deep into World War II, and copper was needed for ammunition and wiring. So the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel coated in zinc that year. They looked silver instead of the usual coppery brown.
But somehow, a few copper blanks from 1942 got mixed in. These copper pennies were minted by mistake—an accident no one noticed until later.
Only a handful are believed to exist. That rarity, paired with a touch of mystery, has turned the 1943 copper penny into one of the most valuable coins ever discovered. Some have sold for over a million dollars, and the top one is rumored to be worth $26 million.
Spotting
Think you might have one? Here’s what to check:
Color
Steel 1943 pennies are silver-colored
Copper 1943 pennies are brown or reddish
Magnet Test
Steel sticks to magnets
Copper does not
Weight
Steel penny weighs 2.7 grams
Copper penny weighs 3.11 grams
Check the Date
Some fakes are altered 1948 coins—watch that “3” to be sure it’s not reshaped from an “8”
Caution
If you think you’ve found one, resist the urge to clean it. That could destroy the value. Instead, have it examined by a professional coin grading company like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
If it’s authentic, consider auctioning it through a trusted platform such as:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Reputable coin dealers
They’ll help you connect with serious collectors who are willing to pay big money for rare coins.
Others
Even if the 1943 copper penny stays out of reach, there are still valuable Wheat Pennies out there. Here are a few to look out for:
| Coin | Estimated Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Up to $50,000 | First-year release with designer’s initials |
| 1914-D | $5,000–$30,000 | Low Denver mintage |
| 1922 No D | $10,000+ | Mint mark error |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1,500–$10,000 | Lettering is visibly doubled |
Hunting
Coin collecting isn’t just for historians—it’s a real-world treasure hunt. People all over are digging through old boxes, estate sales, and bank rolls trying to score big.
Want to try it?
- Always check your loose change
- Ask family members about old coins
- Buy bank rolls of pennies to sort through
- Visit flea markets or coin shops
You never know—your everyday change could hold something extraordinary.
So next time you hear that tiny clink of a penny in your pocket or see one on the sidewalk, don’t ignore it. That coin could be your ticket to a life-changing known.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 penny so rare?
It was mistakenly minted in copper instead of steel.
How do I test my 1943 penny?
Use a magnet and check its weight—copper won’t stick.
Should I clean a rare coin?
No, cleaning can drastically reduce its value.
Where can I verify a rare coin?
Use services like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
How much is the rarest 1943 penny worth?
It could be worth up to $26 million.
